Letter to the editor: Urban assault vehicle will 'alienate and distance' citizens

Jeff Schrier | Mlive.com
Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel looks at the mine resistant ambush proof vehicle he received from the U.S. Army for use in extreme situations. The MRAP is designed to transport troops, carry engineers to look for improvised explosive devices and drive into chemical spills or releases where the environment is not safe for people to breathe. Jeff Schrier | Mlive.com

The acquisition of an urban assault vehicle by
the Saginaw County sheriff's department shows how far removed from "protect and
serve" Saginaw County law enforcement has turned.

Such a weapon, meant for
offensive action, will alienate and distance more of the citizenry from the law
enforcement community.

This vehicle is used by occupiers. That, apparently, is how Saginaw County law
enforcement wants to be perceived.

Fear and intimidation are apparently all
that county law enforcement can offer the community.
The money spent on maintenance for this vehicle and training officers to use it
would be better spent on other programs. But expect, in the future, claims of
underfunding the department to be followed by demands for additional millage
requests.
I know how I will vote.